Leiden, Netherlands
Take a step down from an old tollbooth on one of Leiden’s charming 88 bridges and board one of the electric tour boats. Drifting along the canals of this breathtaking old Dutch city will take you past beautiful townhouses that rival those in Amsterdam, the stunning botanical gardens, windmills, university buildings, and even the 17th-century observatory. With the exception of summer, you’ll find that ducks, swans, and local swimmers outnumber tourists. During your visit, be sure to find the best waterside terrace cafes for a relaxing lunch, daydream about living on one of the many well-maintained houseboats with their flower-filled decks, and plan trips by water to Delft, Haarlem, or the coast. The city’s canals connect to the waterways, making it easy to explore the countryside on day cruises.
Maartje
Bremen, Germany
Bremen, with its medieval Schnoor district, is often compared to the city of York in England. The Schnoor quarter is a charming maze of narrow cobbled lanes lined with beautiful half-timbered buildings adorned with brass plates. Today, the buildings house independent shops and cafes, making it a delightful place to explore. Spend a few days wandering the streets of Schnoor and Böttcherstraße, another enchanting street with expressionist architecture. Don’t miss the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum, dedicated to one of Germany’s most talented female painters. Bremen is also home to numerous art galleries and museums, providing plenty of cultural activities.
Anna Regeniter
La Spezia, Italy
La Spezia is a favorite destination for Italian city breaks, with its neoclassical townhouses, wide boulevards, and rich maritime heritage. Make sure to visit the open-air market for ripe tomatoes and delicious cheeses and stop by one of the many tiny bars for local wine and golden focaccia dripping with olive oil, sea salt, and rosemary. La Spezia is the second-largest city in Liguria and serves as an affordable gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre villages. Spend your days exploring the villages by boat and walking along the scenic coastal paths. The city is well-connected by regional and fast trains, allowing for easy access to Genoa, Tuscany, Milan, and Rome.
Liz Blyth
Peja, Kosovo
Peja, the fourth-largest city in Kosovo, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, offering both city charm and countryside excursions. Begin by strolling through the old town and admiring the Ottoman architectural heritage, including the Zallç bridge. Experience the vibrant cafe culture along pedestrianized Adem Jashari Street. Don’t miss a visit to the magnificent White Drin waterfall, which cascades down from the Accursed Mountains, just a few miles from the city. For a stylish lunch, head to Trofta e Drinit. If you’re in the mood for outdoor adventure, Balkan Natural Adventure organizes hiking and cycling trips in the Accursed Mountains, as well as ziplining in the Rugova Gorge near Peja. Make sure to visit the medieval Serbian Orthodox Dečani Monastery, which is under Nato’s protection due to attacks in recent years. During the Kosovo war, the monastery provided shelter for refugees of all ethnicities in the region.
Ryan Welborn
Graz, Austria
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is a dream come true for architecture enthusiasts. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mix of medieval, Habsburg, and modernist styles. Visit the Schlossberg, a castle that was partially destroyed by Napoleonic forces in 1809, for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing drink in the beer garden at the top. Graz is conveniently located halfway between Vienna and Ljubljana, making it an ideal stop along the train route.
Alice Roselyn
Lille, France
If you’re looking for a city break that also offers an opportunity to practice your French, head to Lille. Arriving by Eurostar, you’ll find yourself greeted by the friendly Hotel Chagnot, located across from Lille Flandres station. Lille will surprise you with its medieval streets and a blend of Flemish and French architecture. Indulge in all-you-can-eat breakfasts, mussels, fries, waffles, and don’t miss the incredible carbonnade flamande (beef stew) at a traditional estaminet. Beyond the delicious food, take a tram to the eccentric Musée la Piscine de Roubaix, an art gallery located within an art deco lido. For a day trip, visit Bruges. Overall, Lille offers a truly enjoyable weekend getaway experience.
Lucy
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is the perfect choice for a relaxed city break filled with art, great cafes, and restaurants. Explore the fantastic art galleries, such as Kode, and indulge in the culinary delights offered by the local cafes and restaurants. One unique aspect of Bergen is the opportunity to pack both walking boots and town clothes. Head up one of the seven mountains that surround the city, particularly popular is Fløyen, where you can enjoy stunning views. Afterward, treat yourself to a hot chocolate or a drink at one of the city’s cozy bars, such as Baran, Henrik, or the record shop/bar Apollon. Bergen is just the right size for a weekend getaway.
Paul Handley
Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
Ceske Budejovice, the capital of the South Bohemian region, often goes unnoticed by British tourists but is highly regarded by German visitors. The old town is a visual delight with its central Přemysl Otakar II Square, 16th-century Black Tower, and baroque city hall. The famous Budweiser Budvar brewery is located just outside the town and offers tours. The wider area surrounding Ceske Budejovice boasts stunning scenery with numerous trails to explore and an impressive selection of castles. The best part? Everything is one-third the price of Prague.
Thomas Baldwin
Córdoba, Spain
Instead of taking a train directly from Seville to Granada, consider stopping off in Córdoba. This wonderful city is steeped in Roman and medieval history. The highlight is the magnificent mosque-cathedral, but don’t miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with its beautiful gardens. Stay at the centrally located Macià Alfaros, which offers a great pool area. Córdoba provides a perfect mix of good places to eat and drink, as well as stunning buildings and courtyards (patios) worthy of admiration.
Fiona Stewart
Winning tip: Zagreb, Croatia
Head up to the medieval Gornji Grad-Medveščak (upper town) in Zagreb for breathtaking views of the city, with its sea of red roofs and cathedral spires. Spend an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and admiring the historic buildings. Don’t miss St. Mark’s church, known for its striking tiled roof displaying the Croatian coats of arms. One of the highlights of our visit was the Museum of Broken Relationships, where people have contributed mementos from past relationships to create a quirky collection. For a unique drinking experience, visit the Garden Brewery, which offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by greenery and a selection of IPAs.
Maggie
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